Salalah, the capital of Oman’s southern province, Dhofar, is famous for its breathtaking beaches, lush green landscape, lively souks and delicious cuisine. Moreover, the city is nestled along the Arabian Sea, home to amazing marine life. All of these fascinating factors make Salalah a popular tourist destination, especially for people from neighbouring countries. Residents of Dubai can easily fly to Dhofar’s capital in two hours – but many prefer making a road trip out of it.
The road trip offers mesmerising views, exciting the journey to the next level. Here is all you need to know about the Dubai to Salalah road trip.
How to Take a Road Trip from Dubai to Salalah
The road trip from Dubai to Salalah is a pretty straight endeavour through different landscapes, including vast deserts and mountain ranges. The best part of taking a Dubai to Salalah road trip is that you get to see rolling dunes, camels and, most importantly, you will get a chance to drive on one of the best roads in the UAE.
Following are details of the distance between Dubai and Salalah by road and the approximate time it takes to reach the beautiful Omani city:
- The distance from Dubai to Salalah is about 1,281 km
- The duration of your car drive will be about 15 – 16 hours
The fastest route to Salalah from Dubai by road is through Route 31. We advise you to keep a check on Google Maps to make certain you’re on the right route.
What You Need on Dubai to Salalah Drive
Expats who live in the UAE with a residence visa and driving licence have to apply for an Oman visa. UAE citizens can travel without a visa. The UAE licence is also valid in Oman. Here is what is required:
- All UAE citizens need to show their valid passports.
- You must also keep your driving licence and vehicle registration handy to avoid delays at checkpoints.
Additionally, make sure you keep these things for the road trip:
- A reliable car with ample fuel.
- Omani riyals
- Power banks to charge portable electronics, including laptops and mobile phones
- Water bottles and some snacks
Who Can Apply for the Oman Visa?
When taking a Dubai to Salalah Road trip, you will cross the Hafeet Border. The border is crowded during peak durations, particularly during the summer or winter holidays.
Residents of UAE with any of the several approved professions by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) visa department can apply for the Oman Visa.
Common professions approved include businessmen, athletes, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pilots, engineers, lawyers, investors, journalists, geologists, architects, accountants, bankers, military officers, translators, painters, directors, designers, sales executives, marketing agents, sales and marketing reps, technicians and supervisors among others.
How To Apply for an Oman Visa?
In order to apply for the Oman Visa, UAE residents with a valid passport of at least six months need to provide the following documents:
1. Valid passport (copy)
2. Recent photos
Oman introduced an online portal to help residents apply for the visa:
- Register yourself with Oman’s eVisa Website
- Log in
- Fill in the application form
- Take a print of the form
Once done, take the form and other required documents to the nearest ROP visa office.
The fee to apply for an unsponsored Oman tourist Visa for UAE residents is 5 OMR. The tourist visa for Oman has a stay limit of 28 days.
FAQs
Are there any petrol stations from Dubai to Salalah?
When going to Salalah by road from Dubai, you will come across dozens of petrol stations along the route. Many renowned petrol stations in the UAE, such as ADNOC can be found on the way.
How much it will cost to travel from Dubai to Salalah?
Generally, the average fuel cost is AED 300; however, it is recommended to check the latest petrol prices in the UAE and calculate the overall fuel cost.
Which road can I take to travel from Dubai to Salalah?
The best route to travel from Dubai to Salalah is through Route 31, following the Dubai Al Ain Road (E66).
That is all about planning a road trip to Salalah from Dubai. Whether you’re travelling in an SUV or a regular sedan, make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and your road trip is planned well in advance.
Here are important things to check for a road trip. If you plan on long road trips and want to buy the right vehicle for this purpose, take a look at these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Besides Salalah, there are many other picturesque places to visit within the UAE. Hatta, for instance is a popular travel destination. You can easy reach there with Dubai to Hatta bus or by driving in your own vehicle.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on places to visit in and around Dubai.
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